Camping fees are one of the major sources of funding. The last fee adjustment was 2007, so in spring 2013 the fee plan was reviewed by the Michigan State Park Advisory Committee, and it was determined that a price adjustment was necessary to meet the rising costs of business. Two years ago when the Parks and Recreation Division assumed responsibility for the 1,200 rustic campsites in state forests, we reduced those fees to align with other rustic sites.

Our mission is to provide campers with a quality experience in the outdoors. The adjustments enable the Parks and Recreation Division of the DNR to keep the standards high and to make improvements to facilities such as state parks, boat launches, trails and harbors. In the future, the fees will adjust slowly based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Reservations for campsites, tents and tepees, and harbor slips are available on a 6 month window. Reservations for Overnight Lodgings (rustic cabins, camper cabins, mini cabins and yurts), and picnic shelters are available on a 12 month window. Learn more about DNR lodging options at www.michigan.gov/dnrlodging.

To make a reservation through the Central Reservation System (CRS), visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44-PARKS (1-800-447-2757).

Modern lodge reservations can be made up to one year in advance by calling the park directly. Find a park's phone number by searching for the park at www.michigan.gov/recsearch.